Spring's Arrival

The calendar has officially marked the start of Spring, so there is now only waiting for the actual weather to reflect it, and dressing without a necessary additional layer in the time being.

Since I've been home I've been feeling the need to do a big closet clean out. I've been trying really hard not to shop this year, and with the exception of a pair of pajamas, I haven't purchased any clothes or accessories this calendar year (you already know about the shopping I snuck in during the dwindling hours of 2018).

Of course through some brand collaborations, new things have arrived all the same, and I'm trying to reconcile my closet so that it is no long in a state of chaos; and I don't have to buy more hangers. I know that has been my mantra for quite sometime, but clothing being perpetually camped out on a chair isn't much better of a solution.

I've tried listing things on eBay, mostly as a way of assuaging my guilt when it comes to things I've barely, or maybe even never worn. Though for the amount of effort it takes to list things, to only sell at a fraction of the price I paid and even less than I'd hoped to get, I'm not sure it's worth it. I might just send a box to ThredUP, knowing full well I'll get pennies for every piece, but it might be better than nothing.

Are you planning on any spring cleaning this year? Or did you start in January with the rest of the Marie Kondo obsessed crowd?

       

The Rundown
Rima Fringed Cardigan Anthropologie similar
 Blush Button Down Blouse Joie via swap.com
Distressed Jeggings Gap
Blush Booties Old Navy
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

 Linking up with Style on the Daily

Laundry Day

A couple of weeks ago I met up with another blogger who said one of her bucket list photo shoots was in a laundromat. Thankfully a quick google image search lead me to the 50's themed Sock Hop Laundromat in Milford, CT. Then I pondered what I should wear.

Typically I don't play "dress-up" here, what I post is what I've worn in my real life, be it an event or just to the grocery store. However, when presented with the idea of the laundromat I thought of how laundry day is often used as an excuse for wearing something ridiculous. Not that such a thing has ever happened to me, because I have more than enough clothes in my closet even if half of them were in the dirty pile, also I have no qualms about grabbing a top out of the hamper, giving it a quick steam and wearing it again. For this post though, I decided to play into the idea of having nothing clean left but a gown, and this poor maxi dress had never been worn since I added it to my closet over a year ago, so it felt like a good opportunity to show it off, have a little fun, and play dress-up.

        

The Rundown
Dress Kate Young for Target via Swap.com similar 
Heels "Reverse" Charles by Charles David similar
 Sequined Clutch Vintage
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
 Star Ring TJMaxx

Nail Color "Zip Me Up" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Venturing North

This weekend I met up with Courtney of Live Lovely Photography, we had coffee at Oxford Baking Company and ended up chatting for hours. She then showed me a couple of her favorite spots in Woodbury and took outfit photos for me. It's crazy to think having lived in this state my whole life, there are still so many towns I've never been to, so many cute places I haven't seen. It's easy to scroll through instagram and get hung up on all the exciting places in New York or Los Angeles, but I know if I were to take the time, I could find amazing spots right in Connecticut.

Focusing more on what my home state has to offer is something I've been trying to do more of over the last few years, not just for the sake of content, but for my own benefit! While I was chatting with Courtney she told me she had a whole list of places to visit, and I need to take a page from her and set about discovering all of Connecticut's little gems.

         

The Rundown
Burgundy Sweater Dress Target similar
Navy Coat Mark New York via South Moon Under similar
Grey Over the Knee Boots Ivanka Trump similar
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Earrings Susan Roberts

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Ring Thrifted
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Photos By Live Lovely Photography

Ruched Dress

"As I work through a problem, I move closer to my goals."

I love the soft, comfortable style of the ruched jersey dress. It's something which can easily be dressed up or down, and with our little heat wave coming to an end this weekend, I think this dress would be really cute with sneakers and a denim jacket.

I found this dress on Swap.com over the summer and paid next to nothing for it - there is an identical one on the site right now and it's less than $10! Over the weekend I went through my closet purgatory bin and packed up the entirety of its contents to send to Swap.com - while the consignment payouts of my last box didn't average more than $4 a piece, any money is better than none and I can work on freeing up more closet space.

      

The Rundown

Dress Express via Swap.com similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Tilly Tote Matine
Filmore Earrings Rudiment via Rocksbox
Chandler Ring Ava Rose via Rocksbox
Freesia Pendant Necklace Aster via Rocksbox
(Use code lydiaxoxo for a free month of Rocksbox!)
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Cinque Terre" Kam Dhillon c/o Coastal
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Beach Chic

The past couple months I've been adding some more bohemian inspired pieces to my closet, as it is a style I love to admire but don't often wear. In the case of this tiered maxi skirt I was able to get from Swap (get 20% off your first order and free shipping) for next to nothing, I couldn't pass it up. In the case of the fringe tote, it was just too fun and cute!

I know it is already August and I haven't had a beach day yet. Anyone who lives hours from the beach, feel free to cast your stink eyes - I have no excuse when I'm never more than five minutes from a beach!

Even still, when discussing future places of residence, being on the shoreline is a non-negotiable for me. I suppose it's because it's all I've ever known, and while I know there is plenty of beauty in landlocked places, for me there is just a certain amount of comfort in knowing the ocean (or the sound) is there.

        

The Rundown
Black Silk Button Down Joe Fresh
Paisley Print Maxi Skirt Cotton On via Swap.com similar
Leather Flip Flops Gap
Raffia 'Pinata' Tote Bag Kayu via J.Crew
Panama Hat J.Crew
Gold Fringe Bracelet Taken for Granite similar
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

April Showers

"I am forever evolving into a better and happier person."

The month certainly started off with quite a bit of rain, and while I tend to shy from photos in the elements, it was free cone day at Ben and Jerry's, and even when it's dreary out, I can't miss an opportunity to take photos in downtown New Haven by Yale.

It also gave me an excuse to show off my adorable Kate Spade umbrella. Admittedly not quite as convenient as the kind which collapse small enough to be tucked into a purse, but so much more fun.

      

The Rundown
White Sweater Loft c/o Swap.com similar
Black Jeans Old Navy
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on eBay similar
Tilly Tote Matine
Umbrella Kate Spade
Chevron Necklace Loft similar
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda